Satellite imagery has captured the sanctioned Russian liquefied natural gas carrier Christophe de Margerie making a rare early-season eastbound voyage along the Northern Sea Route under escort from the nuclear icebreaker Ural.
The images show the track of the Arc7 ice-class LNG carrier and its escort navigating through ice-covered waters in Russia’s East Siberian Sea, east of the New Siberian Islands, as they work their way toward the Pacific carrying cargo from the Arctic LNG 2 project.
Analysis of the vessel tracks visible in the imagery suggests the convoy made several course adjustments while searching for the most favorable route through the ice, highlighting the challenging conditions that persist across large sections of the Arctic shipping corridor despite the onset of spring.
The voyage marks only the third known eastbound transit by a Yamal-class Arc7 LNG carrier this early in the navigation season, following pioneering voyages in 2020.
Subsequent satellite images show the convoy moving closer to the Siberian coastline near Pevek, following a route resembling shipping patterns observed during the summer of 2025.
Last year, vessels frequently hugged the coast as persistent sea ice blocked more northerly passages around Wrangel Island.
The apparent similarity in ice conditions could have significant implications for Arctic shipping this season, with some vessels experiencing delays waiting for icebreaker assistance.
Industry observers are debating whether the vessel will discharge its cargo at the Koryak floating storage unit off Russia’s Kamchatka Peninsula or continue all the way to China’s Beihai LNG terminal.
The eastbound deployment leaves sister vessel Alexey Kosygin as the only Arc7 LNG carrier transporting cargoes from Arctic LNG 2 toward ice-free waters near Murmansk for ship-to-ship transfers.
The voyage marks a significant departure from previous years' routes, highlighting the challenges of navigating the Arctic shipping corridor.
